If you’ve been injured on a cruise ship, you may be entitled to claim compensation—but cruise claims have unique rules that differ from standard personal injury cases. The Athens Convention and maritime law create a specific framework for passengers injured at sea.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can claim compensation for cruise ship injuries in the UK. Thanks to the Athens Convention, you can claim regardless of where the incident occurred. However, you only have two years from disembarkation to file a claim—shorter than the usual three-year limit.
The Athens Convention
The Athens Convention 1974 (as amended by the 2002 Protocol) is the key piece of international law governing cruise ship injury claims. It provides:
- Universal application: You can claim in the UK regardless of where the ship was when the incident occurred
- Mandatory insurance: Cruise lines must have adequate insurance to cover passenger claims
- Strict liability: For shipping incidents (collisions, sinkings), the carrier is liable without the need to prove fault
- Fault-based liability: For onboard accidents (slips, falls), you must prove negligence
Time Limits: The Two-Year Rule
Critical: You have only two years from the date you disembark the cruise ship to start legal proceedings. This is significantly shorter than the standard three-year limitation period for personal injury claims in the UK.
Common Cruise Ship Injuries
- Slip and fall accidents: Wet decks, slippery floors, uneven surfaces
- Food poisoning: Norovirus and other gastric illnesses are common on ships
- Excursion accidents: Injuries during shore excursions arranged by the cruise line
- Pool and spa injuries: Accidents in pools, hot tubs, or spa facilities
- Medical negligence: Substandard care from the ship’s medical staff
Compensation Rights Under UK Law
According to UK Government guidance, passengers have specific rights:
- Advance payment: In case of death or personal injury, you have the right to an advance payment for immediate needs within 15 days
- Minimum payment: This advance must be at least £18,500 in the event of death
- Full compensation: For medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages
Package Holiday Protection
If your cruise was booked as part of a package holiday, you may have additional protection under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the cruise line blames bad weather?
The cruise line may argue that rough seas caused your injury. However, they still have a duty to warn passengers, secure loose items, and cancel activities in dangerous conditions.
Can I claim for illness like norovirus?
Yes, if the cruise line failed to maintain adequate hygiene standards or respond appropriately to an outbreak.
What if I was injured on a shore excursion?
If the excursion was booked through the cruise line, they may be liable. If you booked independently, you would need to claim against the excursion provider.
